Boutique asset manager JO Hambro Capital Management is to be acquired by Australian fund manager BT Investment Management for £209 million.

The Sydney-based company will acquire £7.1 billion of assets under management and a 9.9 per cent interest in JO Hambro's private client business.

BT Investment Management already has more than A$34 billion in funds under management and is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.

JO Hambro's founder shareholders - who have not been active in day-to-day management of the business - have agreed to sell up with other passive shareholders.

According to JO Hambro, its investment autonomy will be retained, day-to-day operations will go unchanged, and no fund manager changes will result from the takeover.

The business will continue to be led by chief executive Gavin Rochussen and non-executive chairman Jamie Hambro.

Rochussen said,'This represents a significant step in the evolution of JOHCM and provides certainty in the form of a committed long-term partner.

'Together with BT Investment Management we will continue to deliver strong investment performance for our clients.

Emilio Gonzalez, chief executive of BT Investment Management, added, 'The acquisition of JOHCM represents an exciting opportunity to create a diversified investment management business with two powerful brands.

'It is consistent with our strategic objective to diversify and grow our group, while the strong cultural fit, aligned business models and investment philosophies make for a powerful long-term partnership.'

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